Clam-shell bucket.



Patented Oct. 19, 1909.

aka 5555 0. 0i WILLIAMS.

GLAM SHELL BUCKET. APPLICATION FILED Nov. 27, 1908.

Patenfied Oct. 19,1909.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

G. G. WILLIAMS.

GLAM SHELL-BUCKET. APPLICATION FILED NOV. 27, 1908.

937,496. Patented 0ct.19,1909.

4 SKEETS-SHEET 4.

x/f Z7557.

. iii/712551 JEN/522mm" f the best mode in' end of a single line,

- disclosed means however i from the end of bucket showing same UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLIE C. WILLIAMS, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

CLAM-SI-IELL JIBUCKET.

To all ID/710771, may concern.

Pe it known that T. CH iuiiii C. VILLIAMS, a citizen of the United States, resident of Cleveland. county of Ci v liog: and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful mprovement in Clam-Shell Buckets, -of which the following is a specification, the principle of the invention being herein explained. and which I have contemplated applying that: principle, so as to distinguish it from other inventions.

M invention relates to clam shell buckets, its object being to provide a bucket simple in construction and etiicient in its operation.

A further object is to provide a bucket which may be used and operated from the in'the bight of a single line, or which may be used and operated with a double line. The said nvention consists ina-fter fully described forth in the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail a certain mechanism embodying the invention, the constftutin; but one of various forms in which the principle of the invention'niay be used.

In said annexed drawings:---Figure is a front elevation of a bucket embodying my invention showing same in its normal or open position and arranged to be suspended and operated b Y a single 2 is a front. elevation of such in its closed position. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the bucket showof means here and particularly set line. 1 1g.

, mg the partsin' the position illustrated in Fig. 2.

' larged scale,

F ig. 4 is a detail section, on an en taken upon the plane indicated by line IV-IV in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a detail section of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4

taken upon the plane indicated by l ne V- Fig. -t-. Fig. (3 is a detail section taken upon the plane indicated by line VI-VI in Fig. 4-.

Fig is a detail section Fig. 8 is.a front. elevation of the upper portion of the bucket embodying my invention in a modified form. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of Fig. 10 is a detail cross section of one of the sheaves zconstituting a part of my inveiition'shown in taken upon the planes indicated by line VII-VILin Fig. 7 3, portions of the mechanism. traversed by said plane being shown iuelcvation.

Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed November 27, 1908.

need not coincide however,

hereinafter therefore angularly movable Patented Oct. 19, 1909. Serial N 0. 464,724.

Figs. 8 and 9, and Fig. 11 isasmilar section of a modified form of sheave.

' Referring now to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, A is a fraincwhich forms part of the support for the scoop members B and B. This frame consists of two oppositely disposed plates (I a which are secured to each other by various pins and other parts forming hearings for the sheaves and supporting arms as will appear. Mounted in this frame is a main supporting journal pin a which projects therefrom on' opposite sides and forms a journal for two sets of oscillatory depending arms 6 b and b I), which are relatively to each other. The two arms bare fixedto the frame by means of rivets b and the upper a re scpa rat ed journaled ends of both arms from each other by means of separators a? (1 as shown in Fig.3.

Transverse rods 6 and members B and B respectively and upon these rods are journaled the ower ends of the two sets of in said Fig. 3. Projecting from the upper inner side of the scoop member B are two arms B B and projecting between these are suitably secured to the upper-outer ends of the scoop arms 6 Z) and b b, as shown two arms is a bifurcated casting B secured in a similar position to the inner scoop member B. The arms B B and B are bored horizontally to' receive a pivotal rod B. It will therefore. be seen from the above construction that the frameA and arms I) b and 7) Z) form supporting means for the scoop members, and that each scoop member has three axes of oscillation. the one coinciding with the axis of pin a and fixed relatively to thesaid frame and two axes ofoscillation fixed relatively to the scoop members, namely those with the axs ofrods b and B, as to member B,'and those coinciding with the axes of rods bf and B, as to member B. Two of the axes in the construction shown coincide with each other in the axis of rod B and may be considered fixed relatively to each other. It isobvious that these axes but may be entirely separate and distinct. These latter eoincidingaxes, have a movement toward and from the frame id the weight of the arms B and B B is made such that 'the scoop members will assume their open posiaxes coinciding side of the tion shown in Fig. 1 as a result of the action of gravitation independently of the weight of the material which the bucket may carry and which may also tend to cause the,scoop members to assume this open position. A I

Mounted upon the central portion of the rod 1) .is an oscillatory closin arm C,whose main portion is constructed 0 two side bars 0 e as shown in Fig. 3. Uponthe outer end of .this closing arm C is mounted a sheave (Y and fixed across the two side bars is a pin 0 upon which is pivoted a shackle 0. To this shackle is secured the end of a suspending line D. -Mounted in the frame A are two sheaves A and A and the line D passes around sheave A upon the inside, then around sheave 0, around sheave A and has its end secured in the shackle 0- previously mentioned. It will therefore be seen that the line D and sheaves A A constitute the suspending means for the bucket, and it will also be seen that when the latter is suspended from said line solely, it will tend to raise the arm G into the position shown in Fig.1.

Oscillatorily'mounted upon the pin 0, Fi 7, is a dog G whose outer end is pivota ly connected with a lever C mounted upon a pivotal pin 0 The inner end of this lever is provided with a slot 0 which enga es a pin 0 fixed in the outer end of the 0g C A hand line C is connected with. the outer end of the lever C, and the inner end of the dog C is provided with the nose 0. The location ofthe dog is such that when the closing arm vC islowered the nose 0 is adapted to engage a lip b formed upon the central portion or cross bar I) of the arm B as shown in Fig. 7. It will therefore be seen that the said closing arm 0 may be fixed relatively to the axis of bar B and when raised will effect the movement of said axis toward the frame A and in consequence etlect the closing movement of the scoop members. It will also be further observed that by raising 1 the outer end of lever C the dog may be disengaged from the casting B and the scoop members thereby permitted to assume their open position as a result of the action of gravitation.

The releasing lever C is fixedly secured to the pin 0 and the latter extends laterally through the side bars 0 c and through twobrackets 0 0 which are secured to the said side bars as shown in Fig. 4. The outer ends of this pin are provided with right and left hand threads respectively and engaging tljiese threads are two nuts (3 0. These nuts are fixedly and. adjust ably secured relati vely to the brackets c (1 by means of set screws 0 0 passing lherethrough and adapted to engage any one of various depressions c 0 arranged circumferentially around the axis of the pin and upon the outer faces of the brackets 0 c as shown in Fig. 6. Interm'ediately of these brackets and the side bars 0 c and upon thepin a are loosely mounted two drums C 0 These drums are made hollow and provided with' hubs o c. 'Tdeachsuch hub is secured the inner end of a spiral spring a", the outer ends Ofwhich'are secured to pins 0 0' fixedly secured to the side bars 0 0. Between the flanfies'of these drums are wound two lines E one end being secured to the drums and the other ends being secured to eyebolts 2; b suitably secured to a convenient portionof the arm B, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The sprin are arranged so that they will. be woun up during the opening movement of the bucket and willtherefore be in tension when the parts are in the posi- *tion shown in Fig. 1, that is when the bucket is in its open position. The lowering movement of the closing arm'will therefore be accompanied by an automatic winding up of the lines E upon their respective drums, as will be readily understood.

The upper ends of the brackets 0 0" are unsupportedsave for the pin 0 and the latter passes loosely therethrough. It will therefore be seen that these brackets have a certain amount of lateral flexibility and may therefore be pressed against the adjacent faces of the drums to effect a braking action. This brakin action is obtained by operating the release lever C and consequently operating the pin 0 upon its axis. The threads on the ends of this pin are so arranged that when the outer end of vlever C is raised the ends a 0 will be drawn inwardly while held in a rotatively fixed position by the set screws 0 c. This action it will be seen presses the upper end of the brackets'c against the drums to a degree proportionate to the amount of movement imparted to the lever It will also beseen that this pressure may be adjusted" by suitably ad usting the nuts c in various 5 positions cu'cumferentuilly relatively to the",

axis of the pin 0'. The ends of the lines 1*) which are attached to the eye-bolts I) b" are however arranged so as to .be in a slacked position, as shown in Fig. 2 at w, when the bucket is in its closed position, and the dog (I is in engagement with the arm B. This permits the bucket to open slightly, and therefore the suidarm B to drop it short distance, after the dog has been released before the drums are rotated and therefore before the braking action is applied. Such arrangement hence permits the disengagement of the do by actuating the lever C, even though this action, no matter to what extent it may be carried out, retards, tendslto retard or even fixes the drums C C. After such release and slight opening movement of the bucket, this braking action may be di- A-suitabie housing (1, Figs. 1 and .2, is

rovided for protecting the sheave 'C from becoming clogged with the contents ofthe scoop members and upon this housing is mounted a buffer consisting of a slidable bolt 1:" which may be actuated downwardly and retained in an upward position by a coil spring c surrounding same and intermediate of the head of the bolt and the housing. The arm Z) is provided with an abutment (6 located in the path of move- 1nem of the head of-the bolt scoop incml-iers are in their closed position and the closing member C in the corresponding position. the head otisaid bolt is in contact with said abutment a, as shown in 1 and 2.

"Upon the inside of one of the arms B is mounted a similar springactuated buffer bolt if. as shown in dotted lines in Figs. 1 and 2. and upon the arm B is fori'ned an abutment b which isadapted to come in contact with the head of the bolt when the scoop members are at or near their extreme open position as shown in Fig. 1. This lat.-

ter' buffer arrangement breaks the jar to the mee anism atlthe end of the opening movement, as will be readily understood. It. will also be readily understood that two of these butting devices might be provided on opposite sides of the arm B Assuming the parts to be in the position shown in Fig. 1, the device operates as fol lows. The bucket is lowered to the material which it is desired to load into the scoop members by slacking away on the suspending line I). When the latter reach such material, the line D is still further slack'cd away so as to lower the closing arm C and crmit the closing arm C to engage the cross liar 71 of arm B as .,.own in Fig. 7. After this engagen'ient is accomplished the line I) is then pulled upwardly, thereby raising the closing arm C together with the arms B and B. This action therefore accomplishes the closing of the bucket and causes the parts to assume the position shown in Fig. 2.- A further raising of the line I) now hoists the bucket and its contents. When the bucket has been. conveyed to the desired point. at which its contents are to be discharged, the hand line C is pulled so as to oscillate the dog C and ('liseng' e same from the lip If. his distr gagement is permitted without bringing into play the braking action on the drums C by reason of the presence of the slack, shown in dotted lines at. ac, Fig. '2, as previously explained. As soon as the nose I) is disengaged, the opening operation begins and the inner ends of the scoop members descend a distancesutfieient to take up t..c slack in the lines E E. As soon as this slack istaken up a further opening movement of the scoop members rotates the drums C and winds up the springs thereof. By regulatserene be readily understood. that when the parts When the 'scnted by the ing the degree of braking action by varying the pull on the hand line C, such opening movement may be effected at various speeds and therefore controlled as desired. \Yhen the scoop members reach their extreme open position. the buffer bolt If will'have engaged the abutment o and brokc'i'i the jar attending the'coinpletion of such movement. as will it will also be noted are in the position shown in Fig. 2 the weight of *the scoop members and contents being supported directl} from the closing arm tends to -coun tcract the tendency of the suspending line D to compress the spring 0''" of the butter bolt c Immediately upon release of the scoop members for the opening movement the point of application of the forcccxerted to pull the arm downwardly is changed from a point intermediate of the ends of said arm, and represented by the axis of the pin c and transferred to .a point on said arm repreaxis of the sheave C. This action tends to still further-raise the arm C and such tendency is counteracted by the spring This spring therefore serves to eliminate any deleterious effects which the jar attending such change of the point of application might otherwise produce. It. will also be obseryed that by means of the hand line C and the brake mechanism above described, by properly adjusting the nuts- 1; c, before stated, a suflicient braking ac tion may be obtained to completely counteract the force tending to open the scoop members, so that. such opening movement may be entirely arrested at any rcquirwl point therein.

When it is desired to use the above construction as a two-rope bucket an additional line Dshown in dotted lines in Figs. 1 and 2 is secured to a suitable bolt such as a mounted in the frame A. .In such event the line Dwould be used only as a hoisting line and line I) as a closing line. \Vhen so used the dog C is permitted to remain con-' tinuously in engagement with the arm B and the bucket peru'iitted to open by merelv slacking away on line I). the closing move; ment bein g etl'ectcd as before. by raising such. line I).

When the bucket is to be burg in the bight of a line the above described arrangement is used. the frame and sheaves mounted therein being however of a modified construction. as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. In such case three sheaves A. and the latter compound. are mounted in-thc frame and the line 1) passing around same as shown in Fig. 8.

and sheaveC is also made compound, so as to augment the closing force. In the construction illustrated. I have shown. however, the sheaves C and A''- to be of double construction, as shown in section in Fig. 10. It will therefore be seen that to lower the bucket, both sides of the line D are raised or lowered, as the case may be.

When sheaves C and A are of double construction, they are arranged and constructed as shown in Fig. 10. 11f this construction of sheave, the one art a is provided with an extended hub 11 which is bored to receive the journal pin a. This hub is turned down to form a journal for the other part a of the sheave so that this latter part may rotate independently of the I part a. The inner flanges of these parts a and a are made thin so as to bring the two bights of the rope close together, thereby reducing the angularity of that portion of the rope between the sheaves C and A and consequently reducing the tendency of the rope to become disengaged from the flanges. The sheave C is constructed in the same way.

When a bucket of this type is being raised and lowered, both parts of the sheaves C and A? will rotate at the same rate of speed and the bearing in the part a referring to sheave A will receive the entire frictional wear due to such rotation. The corresponding part of sheave C will act in a like manner. When, however, the closing arm C is bein raised or lowered, the sheave parts of t e respective sheaves will rotate at different velocities and the frictional wear on the bearing of leastlength, instead of being confined entirely thereto is distributed over it and the bearing surface of the other art. This very materially increases the ength of life of this type of compound construction of sheave over that herebefore used, in which the two sheaves were mounted'side by side upon a common bearing pin.

If desired, the sheaves G and A may be of triple construction shown in Fig. 11,

in which event two. extended hub portions are provided, as shown, and as \Vlll be readily understood.

, What I claim therefore and desire to se- 2. In a device of the class described, the combination of two scoop members and means for supporting same, said members arranged to normally assume their open position as a result of gravitation; means for causing said members to assume their closed position; means for detachably securing said members to said closing means; means for actuating said securing means to release said members; and means for conated means for disengaging said members from said closing means; and means arranged to control the rate of opening movement of said scoop members aiter such disengagement.

l. 111 a device of the class described, the combination of two scoop members and means for supporting same, said members arranged to normally assume their closed position 335.

a result of gravitation; closing means including a line adapted to raise and lower the bucketg together with means for de-' tachably engaging said scoop members to effect the "closing operation; manually 0 erated means-tor'disengaging said mem ers from said'blosing means; and a brake connected with-the latter and adapted to control the rate of opening movement'of same. 5. In a device of the class described, the combination of two scoop members and means for supporting same, said members arranged to normally assume their closed position as a result of gravitation; closing means including a line adapted to raise and lower the bucket together with means. for detachably engaging said scoop members to effect the closing operation; means for disengaging said members from said closing means; and a brake mounted upon said closing means arranged to control the rate of opening movement of said scoop members after such disengagement. i (3. In a device of the class described, the combination of a suitable support; arms oscillatorily mounted upon said support; two scoop members supported thereby, each haying an axis of oscillation on one of said arms; a member located intermediately of said scoop members and upon which each of the latter has a second axis of oscillation; means arranged to be connected with or-d1sconnected from said members and having an axis of oscillation on one of the latter; a line connected with said latter means arranged to for effecting such inovement-toward the latter and connectible with and disconnectible from said members so as t'o'be rendered, when so cc nnected, fixed relatively to the last named'axes; a yielding connection between said positive means and said members; means for actuating such positive means; and means for etfecting'such'disconnection.

-8. In a device of'the class described, the combination of a suitable frame; two scoop members each having three axes of oscillation, one fixed relatively to said frame and two fixeclrelatively' tosaid members, one of each of the latter'axes of each member respectively being fixed relatively to each other, these latter axes having a movement toward and from said frame; positive means for effecting such movement toward the lat ter-and connectible with and disconnectible from saidmembers so as to be rendered, when so connected, fixed relatively to the last named axes; a yielding connectionbetween said positive means and said members together with brake mechanism controlling said connection; means for actuating such positive means; and means for effecting such disconnection. ,1

9. In a device of the class described, the

'combination of a suitable frame; two scoop 'mcmbers each havlng three axes of osclllabers together with brakemiechanism controlling said connection; means for actuating such positive means; and means for effecting such disconnection, such latter means adapted to actuate saidbrake.

10. In a device of the class described, the combination of a suitable frame; two scoop members each having three axesof oscillation, one fixed relatively to said frame and two fixed relatively to said members, one of each of the latter axes of each member respectively being fixed relatively to each other, these latter axes having a movement toward and from said frame; positive means for effecting such movement toward thelat ter and conncctible with and disconnectible from said members so as to be rendered, when so connected, fixed relatively to the last named axes; a yielding connection between said positive means and said members together with brake mechanism controlling said connection; means for actuating such positive means; and manually operated means for effecting such disconnection.

11. In a deivce of the class described, the combination of a suitable frame; two scoop memberseach having three axes of oscillation, one fixed relatively to said frame and two fixed relatively to said members, one of each of the latter axes of each member respectively being fixed relatively to each other, these latter axes having a movement toward and from said frame; positive means for effecting such movement toward the latter and connectible withand disconnectible from said members so as to be rendered, when so connected, fixed relatively to the last named axes; means for actuating such positive means; a yielding connection comprisingsa spring-actuated drum and a connecting line Wound thereon and having one end -onnected with said scoop members; a brake or controlling the rotation of said drum; and manually operated means for controllin the action of said brake.

12. n a device of the class described, the combination of two scoop members; means for suspending said members in a normally open position; a closin member adapted to be connected with sai scoop-members and detachable therefrom, and controllable brake mechanism connectin said members and closingmember inclu in a drum and line connected therewith; sai drum arranged to automatically wind'in said line when said members are engaged in their closing movement.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination of two Scoop members; means for suspending said members in a normally open position; a closing member adapted to be connected with said scoop members and detachable therefrom; and controllable brake mechanism connecting said'scoop members and closing member includinga spring actuated drum and a line connected therewith; said spring arranged to actuate said drum to wind in said 'line when said scoop members are engaged in their closing move- I ment.

14. In a device of the class described, the combination of two scoop members; means for supporting same comprising a frame and two sets of arms mounted thereon, one sethaving having an axis of oscillation on the latter, each set havingthe lower ends of its members' pivotally secured to the outer ends ,of said sooo members respectively; and means connect with said frame for suspending and closing said scoop members.

15. In a device oi the class described, the combination of a frame; two scoop members their outer ends oscillatorily supported from said frame; meansfor raising and lowering the inner ends of said scoop members; and a bufl er member intermediate of said frame and said scoop members.

16. In a device of the class described, the

combmationof a frame; two scoop members havin their outer ends oscillatorily' stipporte from said frame; means for raising mner ends of said scoop members and mcludmg a member attachable to and detachable from said scoop members; and a buifer member intermediate of said frame and attachable and detachable member.

Signed by me, this 23d day of November, 1908.

CHARLE C. WILLIAMS.

Attested bg:

WM. MILLER, 'A. E. MERKEL. 

